p.1 #1 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
Has anyone bought a used camera or lens from either of these companies? Just curious as to what condition the gear was in. In the case of cameras do they typically high actuations such as 100,000 or more. I am thinking of buying a camera from one of them at Black Friday prices.
p.1 #4 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
I would consider buying a lens from them if I found one that performs beautifully and I really wanted it but I can’t see myself buying a rental camera without knowing shutter count in advance.
p.1 #5 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
I rented 2 Canon TSE lenses from Lensrentals with the expectation to buy. You can then apply the rental fee to the purchase after checking the lens. I bought both of the lenses I'd rented.
p.1 #6 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
It would seem that of all the places from which to purchase used equipment, Lens Rentals might be one of the safer choices, based on the apparent number of checks/tests they put their equipment through before/after rentals and before putting up for sale. While you might still get a dud (likely very rare), I would have more confidence in them providing satisfactory after-sales support than taking a chance through a private sale.
While it was long ago, back in 2010 I purchased a Leica M9 from them. It was during a time when M9s were nearly impossible to get and those on the used market were selling for more than retail. LR had a fair price and the camera was in good condition. But it did have a problem with the internal 'memory' battery not working properly, causing the camera to lose correct date/time settings between uses. When I told them about it, Roger said they'd cover the repair costs if I chose to send it directly to Leica myself, which I did. But Leica ended up covering it under warranty (even though it was technically no longer covered).
p.1 #7 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
Nothing takes more abuse then rental gear - same as any other product that gets rented, whether it be cars, a house, tools, sports equipment, etc. When it doesn't belong to you, and if insurance can be bought cheaply, most people treat things differently than they would if they owned it. That being said, rental gear is also usually maintained pretty well and checked regularly, so its up to you if knowing the item had a rough life is going to bother you. Personally I would never buy former rental gear unless the price was almost too good to be true, but I am probably more picky than most.
p.1 #8 · Buying used gear from BorrowLens or LensRental
All my experiences with lensrentals have been positive. Their ratings are accurate (to my eye) and they'll take care of you if you have trouble. The rental gear is constantly checked and calibrated. I've never bought anything from borrowlenses.
